A 11-night horseback riding adventure in Rajasthan starting from the ancient city of Jodphur and concluding in Udaipur while staying in comfortable, well appointed, tented camps and selected hotels. The Balotra Fair is an authentic experience that attracts people from all over Rajasthan, but very few foreign visitors due to limited accommodation. The equestrian trail passes historic castles, palaces and temples, each with a fascinating history. Visit the Godwar Horse Fair and maybe a chance to participate in some of the games and gymkhanas. Explore the Leopard conservancy of Jawai Bandh on horseback and by jeep, and finish the experience with an unforgettable sunset cruise in Udaipur. This is the perfect choice for intermediate horseback riders looking for a combination of equestrian fun and true cultural immersion.
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Day 1
Meet the guide at Jodhpur Airport for the transfer to the hotel. Check in and freshen up before an afternoon trip to Mehrangarh Fort. The red sandstone fort stands on a cliff top 400 feet above Jodhpur. Once called "the work of giants" by Rudyard Kipling, Mehrangarh Fort is recognised as one of the best-preserved in India. Overnight at Balsamand Lake Palace/ Ranbanka Palace (or similar).
Day 2
After breakfast, depart by minibus for the Balotra Fair. After settling into camp in the village of Tilwara, relax during the heat of the afternoon before taking an evening ride around the fair. The Balotra Horse Fair is one of the largest in India and due to the limited accommodation available for tourists, it is an authentic event with visitors from all over Rajasthan to trade horses, camels and livestock. Overnight in a tented camp.
Day 3
Early morning ride around the fair with a guided wander through the stalls and tents. Lunch and rest in camp before returning to the fair in the evening. O/N Tented Camp
Day 4
Depart by minibus transfer by road for Kumbhalgarh (4 hours). Check in to hotel. Afternoon visit to the 15th century Kumbhalgarh Fort. O/N Hotel at Kumbhalgarh
Day 5
This is the start of the safari and involves a full day ride through the Khumbalgarh Sanctuary and Ghanerao forest with picnic lunch en route, arriving into Narlai to overnight at the Hotel Rawla Narlai (or similar)
Day 6
AM: Visit the local Godwar Horse Show opening procession and celebrations and return to the show in late afternoon, with the possibility of taking part in horse games/gymkhana games. Transfer to Muthana Lake and overnight at a Tented Camp.
Day 7
Spend the morning at the Godwar Fair with a visit to the the Ranakpur temple. Afternoon ride to Dantiwara Lake. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Day 8
Today is a full-day ride through Bali Forest with picnic lunch en route. Overnight at a Tented Camp.
Day 9
Another full day ride to Jawai Bandh. Overnight in a Tented Camp.
Day 10
Morning ride around the conservancy searching for the Leopard colonies that live here. Once the heat of the day has lifted, take a jeep safari further into the interior area to spot Leopards. Overnight at a Tented Camp
Day 11
Morning departure to Udaipur by road and check into the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing and a sunset boat ride. Overnight at the Hotel Lake Pichola/ Udai Kothi
Day 12
Morning at leisure for Palace sightseeing and shopping. Depart in the afternoon.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The Marwari horses are indigenous to India and range from 14hh to 16hh. The exotic beauty and vigour of the Marwari is a part of their heritage. The Marwari were bred to lift the heart in battle and please the eye, easily recognised by his proud carriage. The upright graceful neck and distinctive aquiline head, unique inward curling or scimitar shaped ears set high on the poll, is without exception unique to the noble Indian horse. The intelligence and regal bearing of the Marwari is blended with tremendous equipoise, graceful animated gaits and stamina. Hardiness and longevity have enabled the breed to survive wars, famine and droughts. The Marwari agreeably adapts to different lifestyles and environmental conditions and performs in various sports and formal riding disciplines. Loyal, tireless and competitive, the Marwari has evolved from one of the world ancient breeds to present a new archetype of beauty, brilliance and personality.
They are warm blooded and forward going and very light to ride - a little like Arab and Thoroughbred horses. They are kind natured, intelligent, surefooted and swift to respond to their riders wishes. The riding style is English and the tack utilised is cavalry saddles and usually snaffle bridles.
Riders will need to be able to control fit, responsive horses at a walk, trot and canter in a group, and be able to ride up to 6 hrs daily.
Riders should be happy to ride fit, responsive horses at a walk, trot and canter. In special cases we can split the group into two - with one fast and and one slower group for less confident riders. Minimum ride ge 16 years old. Maximum rider weight 90kg. Not suitable for non-riders
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
4 nights accommodation is in hotels and palaces selected for their comfort, luxury, and often, historical significance. 7 nights is in luxuriously appointed tents with twin beds. Each tent has private ablutions. All meals are included on the ride and freshly prepared by dedicated cooks and are of an Indian flavour, but European dishes are also provided. Certain dietry requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Please advise when booking. Lunches are picnic style. The hygiene standards are scrupulous and there is always bottled mineral water at hand.
Balsamand Lake Palace Hotel
Tented Camp
Rawla Narlai
Accommodation used on this tour:
1 x night hotel in Jodhpur
1 x night hotel in Kumbhalgarh
1 x night hotel Narli
1 x night hotel in Udaipur
7 x nights in tented camps
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. You’ll need to get a visa before travelling to India. This can be applied for online at the following website, www.indianvisaonline.gov.in Make sure you get the right visa for your travel and that it’s valid for the purpose and duration of your stay. If you enter India on the wrong visa, you could be detained on arrival and you may be deported and blacklisted, meaning that you cannot enter India again. Make sure you meet entry requirements. You can find further information on the Indian High Commission website or the Indian Immigration Bureau website. To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India. Your passport must be machine readable, with 2 blank pages for your visa and valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of your visa application. Always keep a copy of your passport and your Indian visa separate from your passport, in case of loss Airport tax User Development Fees (UDF) apply at many airports. The fees are around Rs.1,000 per international passenger and Rs.150 to 260 per domestic passenger. This should already be included in the cost of airline tickets. If for any reason the fee is not included in your ticket it will be collected at the airport check-in counter in Indian rupees. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The temperature although warm during the day (max 30C) will drop in the evenings to approx 13C. It is therefore essential to have a warm fleece to hand especially when camping.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever occur all year round. There’s been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever, including in New Delhi.
Health authorities have classified India as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
Cases of Chikungunya Virus have been confirmed in India, including in New Delhi. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in India and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
You should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
Sunscreen and insect repellent is advised.
As with all countries where the bacteria present in water and around food are not those to which we are accustomed you are advised to exercise a degree of care. Bottled water is widely available, but check that bottle seals are intact and water levels reach the top. Fruit and raw vegetables which can be peeled are fine. Avoid ice cubes, diluted fruit juices and any unpasteurized/unboiled milk.
In India the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Electricity is available on all hotel nights for charging electronic equipment. Mobile phone reception and 3G is widely available, many hotels have wifi. If using a GoPro please obtain the permission from the group to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Gloves
Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
Long sleeved shirts
Scarves for the dust
Jacket/cardigan for the evenings and mornings
Thermal underwear
Change of shoes for evenings
Windcheater or light waterproof
Warm woollen or fleece clothing
Thick socks
Swimming gear (some of the resorts have nice pools.)
Wide brimmed hat
Camera / phone chargers. It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
Photocopy of passport and visa (keep in plastic bag if on rides) - keep somewhere different to the originals.
12d / 11n programme with 7 riding days. One fixed departure date each year.
2025: 25 March - 5 April
2026: 14 - 25 March
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025/6 | 12d/11n | 7 | double pp | 3,985 |
| 2025/6 | 12d/11n | 7 | single supplement | 599 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025/6 | 12d/11n | 7 | double pp | 4,829 |
| 2025/6 | 12d/11n | 7 | single supplement | 719 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025/6 | 12d/11n | 7 | double pp | 5,359 |
| 2025/6 | 12d/11n | 7 | single supplement | 779 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025/6 | 12d/11n | 7 | double pp | 52,925 |
| 2025/6 | 12d/11n | 7 | single supplement | 7,769 |
India (Lonely Planet Country Guides)
City of Djinns 
The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia 
An Indian Summer
Into India
No Full Stops in India
Rajasthan; India's Enchanted Land
Rajasthan; Land of Kings
The Royal Palaces of India
Arts and Crafts of Rajasthan
Plain Tales from the Raj
During the ride it is possible you will see some of the wide range of small antelope species which inhabit the area. There are also many interesting birds and reptiles. Perwa and Jawai Bandh and famous for the colonies of leopard that live alongside the villagers.
PERSONAL TOILETRIES: For peace of mind it is recommended that should you require any sanitaryware you take this with you. A toilet roll with inner cardboard tube removed will take up little space and may be an invaluable item.
BEGGARS: You will not visit India without coming into contact with many distressing facets of this unfortunate community. Without appearing harsh, it is strongly advised by the Indian Authorities and charity workers in the country not to give to these people. Should you wish to do something extra to help these communities then a donation to an established charity will go much further and give you a relatively hassle free visit.
TAXIS/RICKSHAWS; In major cities these should be metered and have a tariff rate. If in doubt agree a fare before departing and check that the meter is used. Do not be persuaded to go where the drivers get commission
India forms a natural sub-continent with the Himalayas to the north. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which are sections of the Indian Ocean, lie to the west and east respectively.
The official language of India is Hindi written in the Devanagari script and spoken by some 30% of the population as a first language. Since 1965 English has been recognised as an 'associated language'. In addition there are 18 main and regional languages recognised for adoption as official state languages. There are another 24 languages, 720 dialects and 23 tribal languages.
India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - especially if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload. Nothing in the country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you.
The time difference for India is GMT/UTC +5.5hrs and the dialling code is +91. India has adopted metric weights and measures.
